Radiation-induced morphological changes in polyamide fibers

Abstract

Cystalline nylon 6-12 fibres were submitted to various dose of n -radiation with a 60 Co source (50 up to 300 kGy). The morphological changes induced by n -irradiation have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant changes on nylon 6-12 fiber surfaces are detected as the dose of irradiation increases. The mean crystallite size shows changes too, obeying a tendency to grow up as the irradiation dose is increased. These modifications are attributed to the chain scission during the process of irradiation provoking a crystal reorganization.